Table of Contents
Organizing Your Files and Folders
When it comes to digital clutter, organizing your files and folders is one of the most important steps in the decluttering process. You can not only reduce the stress of sifting through a cluttered digital space but also make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Creating a system that makes sense to you though, is key, as everyone’s needs and preferences are different. Some people choose to organize their files by project, while others prefer to organize them by topic or even date.
Regardless of how your organizing system works, the key is that it’s intuitive to you (and anyone else who may be using it) as well as repeatable so that whether it’s been a while since your last digital organizing session or you simply need to find something, you can do so quickly.
Mirror Your Physical Filing System
One strategy that some of our full-service luxury organizing members appreciate is creating a folder hierarchy that mirrors their physical filing system.
For example, perhaps you have a “work” folder with subfolders for each project, and within each project folder, subfolders for documents, images, and other related files. Similarly, you may have a “personal” folder with subfolders for photos, music, and other digital documents like bills or statements.
If you’re looking for a fail-proof system for digital decluttering, we deep dive into our exact strategies for naming folders and all of your files in our Digital Decluttering Kit.
Utilizing Cloud Storage
Cloud storage can be a life-saver when it comes to digital decluttering + organizing your files. Not only does it allow you to store and access your files from just about anywhere but many cloud storage services also offer automatic backup and sync features, so your files are always accessible but also safe.
External Storage
External hard drives can also be useful for organizing and storing large files or media libraries. By offloading these files to an external drive, you not only free up space on your computer and keep your files organized and accessible, but you can catalog your external storage devices to easily access them when needed. This is the perfect marriage between digital storage + physical storage in your home *wink*
Create Routine Around Digital Decluttering
Much like the physical clutter in your home, digital clutter isn’t once + for all. It takes a bit of effort, routinely, to truly combat digital clutter.
Whether that’s regularly deleting old emails and unused apps, organizing your files and folders into a logical system, or setting boundaries around your screen time to reduce distractions by simply calendaring your digital decluttering time you begin to build the muscles to stay organized.
Not only will your future self thank you for taking the time to organize your digital life but you’re reducing the mental load that comes with digital clutter, allowing you to focus on the things that truly matter to you.
Be Intentional About Information In Your Digital Space
In addition to organizing your digital files and folders, being intentional about the information you allow into your digital space is another important aspect of digital decluttering.
We are bombarded with an endless stream of information, things to buy, notifications to be aware of, important emails to read + of course don’t forget you “DM’s”. And all of this can be a huge distraction from living intentionally.
Before we know it, not only are we distracted by the consciousness of it all but ultimately it leads to a lot of digital clutter.
One way to combat this is by being intentional about the information you allow into your digital space.
Start by unsubscribing from email newsletters that no longer serve you (of course we think you should keep ours *wink*). But if you find that you’re deleting or more importantly simply filling most of the emails you receive from a particular sender, it’s probably time to unsubscribe. This will help reduce the amount of clutter in your inbox and free up mental space.
Another way to declutter your digital space is to unfollow social media accounts that don’t align with your values or interests any longer. Social media is a great way to connect with others and stay up-to-date but it can also be a major source of noise, distraction + comparison.
If you find that you’re spending too much time scrolling mindlessly through your feed, consider unfollowing accounts that don’t add value to your life.
Voices Lead To Choices so be really intentional, focusing on the quality of information you allow in your digital space. By reducing the noise and focusing on the content that truly matters to you, you create a more peaceful and focused digital environment. This, in turn, will help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.